Whales are important members of the marine ecosystem. They help to keep the food chain in balance by eating large amounts of krill and other small fish. Whales also produce waste that fertilizes the ocean, helping to create new phytoplankton and other plant life.
However, whales are also threatened by a number of human activities, including hunting, pollution, and climate change. Hunting has depleted many whale populations, and pollution and climate change are making it difficult for whales to find food and survive.
As a result, some whale species are now considered endangered. The blue whale, for example, is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The IUCN estimates that there are only about 10,000 blue whales left in the world.
Efforts are being made to protect whales and help their populations recover. These efforts include creating whale sanctuaries, reducing pollution, and regulating hunting. However, much more needs to be done to ensure that these magnificent creatures survive for future generations.